2026 FIFA World Cup — Group K, Matchday 2 | June 23 | NRG Stadium, Houston
HOUSTON — Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in the first half as Portugal demolished Uzbekistan 5-0 to move top of Group K and silence the doubters after their opening draw.
The 41-year-old struck in the 6th minute — a first-time finish from Joao Cancelo’s cross — and added a second in the 39th minute from Bruno Fernandes’ through-ball. Nuno Mendes scored a stunning free-kick in the 17th minute. An own goal by Abduvohid Nematov in the 60th minute and a late strike from Rafael Leao completed the rout.
Six World Cups, Six Goals
Ronaldo’s first goal made history. He became the first player ever to score in six different World Cup tournaments — a record that spans 20 years, from Germany 2006 to USA-Canada-Mexico 2026.
His second goal took his World Cup tally to 10, making him Portugal’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament, surpassing Eusebio.
At 41 years and 138 days, Ronaldo is now the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history, behind only Cameroon’s Roger Milla (42 years, 39 days in 1994).
Group K Standings
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portugal | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 4 |
| 2 | Colombia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 3 |
| 3 | DR Congo | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | Uzbekistan | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 8 | -7 | 0 |
Match Details:
- Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan
- Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas, USA
- Goals: Ronaldo 6′ (assist: Cancelo), Mendes 17′, Ronaldo 39′ (assist: Fernandes), Nematov 60′ (OG), Leao 87′
- Man of the Match: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
